Author: Ed Histed

Ed launched his radio career in 1975 and has spent more than five decades in the broadcasting industry. During that time, he has served in a wide range of roles including Air Personality, News Director, Sales Manager, Operations Manager, and General Manager at numerous radio stations in various markets across the country. Beyond on-air and management responsibilities, Ed has also worked extensively on the technical side of broadcasting. His background includes RF engineering and information technology, with particular experience configuring digital automation systems and remote voice-tracking platforms used by stations across the country. Ed was also among a select group of industry professionals invited by Google to its California headquarters following the company’s acquisition of Scott Studios. He was one of just 12 broadcasters nationwide chosen to participate in discussions and provide input during the design and rollout of Google’s digital broadcast automation platform. Although the majority of Ed’s career—spanning roughly four decades—was rooted in music radio, he transitioned into news and information programming in 2012. He says the move into spoken-word broadcasting was a natural evolution after decades of experience in multiple areas of the industry.

Marion Man Arrested After Repeated Trespassing Drug Charges Filed

A 56 year old Marion man is facing multiple charges after police say he repeatedly returned to a business he was banned from. Officers were called three times before taking John A. Lott into custody Friday evening. During a search, police say they found a syringe containing a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Lott […]

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Williamson County Seeks Volunteers For Emergency Planning Committee

Williamson County is looking for volunteers to join its Local Emergency Planning Committee. Officials say the group is required under federal law to develop response plans for chemical emergencies and keep the public informed. The committee includes members from law enforcement, fire services, health agencies, and the community. Leaders say new participants are needed to […]

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Bailey Wins GOP Primary For Illinois Governor Rematch Set

Darren Bailey has secured the Republican nomination for Illinois governor after a competitive primary race. The southern Illinois farmer and state senator campaigned on cutting taxes, reducing spending, and cracking down on crime. His win sets up a rematch with Democratic Governor J B Pritzker in November after their close 2022 race. Bailey says he’s […]

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Illinois High School Coach Placed On Leave Amid Investigation

A longtime Illinois high school football coach has been placed on administrative leave amid multiple investigations. Authorities say the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is looking into allegations of sexual abuse involving at least one former student. State education officials have also issued subpoenas for records tied to the coach and others. School officials say further […]

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SIU Extends Football Coach Nick Hill Through 2029 Season

Southern Illinois University has signed head football coach Nick Hill to a four year contract extension. The deal keeps Hill in place through the 2029 season after his previous contract was set to expire next year. University officials say the move reflects confidence in his leadership and commitment to building a winning program. Hill, who […]

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Nine Arrested In Carmi Drug Bust Spanning Five Homes

Nine people are under arrest following an early morning drug crackdown in Carmi. Police say officers began serving search warrants around 5:25 Friday morning at five different homes after a lengthy investigation into suspected drug activity. Authorities report methamphetamine, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia were recovered at multiple locations. Several of those arrested are also […]

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Illinois Senate Race Set For November Showdown

The race for an Illinois U S Senate seat is now set, with Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton facing Republican Don Tracy in November. Stratton, backed by Governor J B Pritzker, is campaigning on economic and social issues. Tracy is focusing on jobs, energy policy, and public safety. The matchup sets up a clear contrast as […]

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Jefferson County Voters Approve New Firehouse Bond

Voters in Jefferson County have approved a bond referendum to build a new fire station near Mount Vernon. The measure passed with 1,349 votes in favor and just over 1,000 against. Fire officials say the current station is too small for modern equipment. Planning now moves to design and bidding, with hopes of breaking ground […]

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Salem Student Accepted To West Point Academy

A Salem student has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Luke William Hahs will join the Class of 2030 after receiving nominations from Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Mike Bost. Hahs is currently enrolled at Marion Military Institute and plans to serve in the Army Medical Corps following his […]

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Zach Rose Wins GOP Primary For Marion County Clerk

Zach Rose has won the Republican primary for Marion County Clerk, defeating Greg Wright by a wide margin. Rose secured 2,876 votes compared to Wright’s 1,448 in his first run for public office. There is currently no Democratic candidate in the race, though one could still be added before November. Election officials also report low […]

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